Big Concerns for Proposed Calgary Mall
Too Big and Too Massive
Too big and too massive are some of the adjectives used by residents of the nearby communities of Crestmont and Valley Ridge, to describe a proposed commercial development known as Bingham Crossing. While Calgary is considered a shopper’s haven, plans for more retail development, this time to the west fringe of Calgary, are in the works once again. The company responsible for the new mall, Rencor Development argues that the proposal would include high quality shops and significant seniors’ housing.
Like Shopping on Steroids
A resident of the Crestmont community, Janet Shygera, has commented regarding the proposed site, “I’m concerned about the size of this. It’s going to be like having shopping on steroids.”
Reduced somewhat by the developer, Rencor, the proposed size of 62 acres on a parcel of land of more than 300 acres appears to be going ahead. The British Columbia-based developer states that the new centre will be a unique, pedestrian-friendly destination unlike any other in Calgary.
Could be Devastating
John Panagakos, owner of Van Gogh’s Bar and Grill in Valley Ridge has expressed his concern, “The reason we survive here is because we have this local market to ourselves.” He added, “If there’s a big mall, it will devastate us.”
NIMBY’s Legitimate Concern
Although being called, NIMBY’s by some, residents remain opposed to something they fear will generate more traffic in their neighbourhood and that is a concern due to a rarity of access points. Some say that the traffic access point at Crestmont Boulevard for traffic headed east on the Trans-Canada and Valley Ridge Boulevard for traffic headed west just isn’t large enough. It could create bottlenecks in the community.
Just Too Big for One Entrance
“This is just too big for just one entrance,” said Dave McCarrel, director of planning for Valley Ridge. “This thing is supposed to be even bigger than Market Mall, and Market Mall has seven access points.”
Area Councillor, Ward Sutherland says that he will work with the city and the province to reconfigure interchanges as needed.
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